Prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes mellitus among adults residing in Cameroon: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Aims: To summarize current data on the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes mellitus in Cameroon.

Methods: Population-based cross-sectional studies published between January 1, 2000 and April 30, 2017 including apparently healthy adults residing in Cameroon were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, African Journals Online, and African Index Medicus. We used a random-effects model to pool data.

Results: All included studies had a low risk of bias. Six studies were conducted in an urban setting only, one in a rural setting only, and five in both settings. The overall prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 5.8% (95%CI 4.1-7.9; 12 studies) in a pooled sample of 37,147 participants. The prevalence of prediabetes was 7.1% (95%CI: 3.0-21.9; 4 studies) in a pooled sample of 5,872 people. In univariable meta-regression analysis, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus increased with age, hypertension, overweight and obesity. There was no difference for sex and settings (rural versus urban).

Conclusions: This study reports a relatively high prevalence of diabetes mellitus and prediabetes in Cameroon, with no difference between urban and rural settings and between sexes. The main drivers include increasing age, overweight and obesity. Community-based educational programs are needed to tackle the burden of the disease in the country.